Spruce Up Your Built-in Book Shelves
With A Fabric Backdrop
contributed by Honey We're Home
In case you missed my guest post last week at Serenity Now, I’m sharing with you today. I recently did a little more sprucing to the sitting room in the master bedroom by lining the back of the built-in bookshelves with fabric, using starch. {I first heard of this when I saw Stephanie at Crea8tive Designs’ pantry}
Our sitting room is just off the bedroom and the bookshelves are on the far right wall.
A nice feature, for sure, but kind of bland as-is. So, I started by scouring the fabric stores and found the perfect pretty floral print. *swoon*
I decided to paint the back and sides of the bookcase a shade darker than the room to give the fabric a nice color to sit next to. Rumor has it that after the fabric is applied, it is easily removable without damaging the walls. If I ever tire of the fabric, the entire bookcase is already painted.
The most challenging part of this project was cutting the fabric to the exact width and length of the walls. I realized my bookshelves were the same height, but the one on the left was considerably wider. I cut my fabric into one giant piece before affixing the top corners to the wall with command strips.
Then I used Sta-Flo liquid starch and a kitchen sponge to apply the starch directly on top of my fabric, really saturating it as I went. I used a wallpaper straightener to stretch the fabric to the end of the shelves.
Even though I didn’t encounter any air bubbles while applying, be sure to smooth the fabric down with the straightener because the next day I did have a few.
Then I simply inserted the shelves back in (using one less than was there before to make room for some large photos I wanted to display).
I’m still adjusting the shelf heights and need to accessorize them, but here is a sneak peek.
**********
Please consider sharing this if you liked it!
Remodelaholic is here to help you take your home from builder grade to beautiful! As an interior designer and landscape architect, we adore everything that makes up a HOME! We love to share the projects we’re working on and feature your best home remodeling. . From huge kitchen renovation ideas to small bathroom remodels. We hope that you will stop by often for home design inspiration, tutorials, delicious recipes and what going on in our family life. Please let us know if you are interested in being featured.
>Love this look! She chose such a pretty fabric and it was smart to paint first. Thanks for sharing.
>Beautiful!!
>Gorgeous!
>Love that paper...I have done this to all of my bookshelves. Except, I do it on made to measure foam core board (1/4). I have a problem with changing my mine. I use spray mount and fabric sometimes. Easy to change out. I re-use the foam core.
>Oops, I meant to say fabric!
>Looks very sophisticated!
>looks absolutely lovely.
>I love what you have done with your bookshelves, they look lovely! I am in the process of redecorating my bathroom & I have been thinking about adding fabric to the front of my flat (ugly) white cabinets. I am worried about finishing off the edges. Do you have any suggestions?
Thank You!
>BEAUTIFUL!!!!! Also, just wanted to let you know I gave you an award on my blog - http://diapersinthedesert.blogspot.com/2011/02/they-say-you-never-forget-your-first.html
Please don't feel obligated. I just want you to know how you are one of my FAV. Blogs!! Seriously, I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!
Hi- could you tell me the name of the light gray paint you used on the walls in that room?
Thanks!
Sarah
Sarah, this was a guest feature, so I don't personally know, but there is a link to the author at the top of the post! I know they would love to help you out if they can!